View
3
Download
0
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
Kogi State University, Anyigba
From the SelectedWorks of Marietu S Tenuche (PhD)
Spring January 1, 2005
A Report on Benue Valley Conflict Assessment,Kogi State of NigeriaMarietu S Tenuche, Kogi State University
Available at: https://works.bepress.com/marietu_tenuche/5/
A REPORT ON BENUE-VALLEY CONFLICT ASSESSMENT, KOGI STATE
OF NIGERIA.
Tenuche, M.S (PhD), Department of Political Science, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
Linus, Akor. Department of Sociology, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
Adejoh Iyaji. Department of Sociology, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria.
Ibrahim Juliet. Department of English and Literary Studies, Kogi State University, Anyigba,
Nigeria.
Momoh, Sani Aliu. Consultancy Service Unit, Kogi State University, Anyigba, Nigeria
1. INTRODUCTION
Background information on the people of Kogi State
Kogi State is one of the six states in the North Central Zone of Nigeria. It
has a total of twenty one Local Governments distributed into three Senatorial
Districts namely, Central, Eastern and Western Senatorial Districts. The Central
Senatorial District is made up of Okene, Okehi, Adavi, Ajaokuta and Ogori-
Magongo Local Government Areas. The Eastern Senatorial District comprises
of Ankpa, Bassa, Idah, Omala, Ibaji, Ofu, Igalamela Odolu, Dekina, Olamaboro
Local Government Areas while the Western Senatorial Districts is made up of
Kogi, Ijumu, Lokoja, Yagba West, Yagba East, Mopa and Kabba Local
Government Areas. There are about 21 district ethnic groups in the state. There
are however three prominent ethnic groups in the state. They are the Ebira
majority of them are in the Central Senatorial District. The Igala in the Eastern
Senatorial District and the Okun in the Western Senatorial District.
The dominant ethnic groups in the state namely Ebira, Igala and the
Okuns have a long history of being together. The Ebira and the Igala groups
among such groups as the Idoma, the Tivs in Benue State and the Jukuns of
Taraba State are classified as the “Pagan” tribes in colonial records. They were
said to have migrated from the Kwararafa Kingdom into their present locations.
Historical records indicated that the Ebiras at a given period settled among the
Igalas at Idah before migrating to their present settlement. The two ethnic groups
share cultural and linguistic values. The duo exhibit common characteristics in
terms of staple food consumed and masquerade festivities. Economic
transactions among the people are deeply entrenched and inter-ethnic marriage is
common.
The colonial administration brought the three distinct ethnic groups
under the Northern Regional Government, between 1897 and 1921 as Kabba
province. The 1975 state creation exercise excised and located the Igala group in
Benue state while the Ebira and the Okuns were located to Kwara State. In
another state creation exercise in 1991, the Igala group was excised from Benue
state and merged with the Ebira and Okun people excised from Kwara State to
constitute the newly created Kogi State.
Since the creation of the state in 1999, the Igala group using the 1963
census figures as its reference point has maintained that it constitutes the
majority in the state with a higher percentage of 634880 as against the Ebira
415226 and the Okun 180039.
The National Population Commission in 1991 however reversed the
1963 population census figures by stating that the Igala group constitutes 46.6
percent with a population of 982,876 as against 53.6 percent for the other areas.
The 1991 figures indicated that Kogi Central had a population of 822,032 and
Kogi West 399,738.
The Igala group however maintained that since there is no evidence that
there has been any natural disaster that could have reduced its population since
1963, the percentage difference in population figures of the 1963 census
couldn’t be altered.
The controversy surrounding the actual population figures of the
different groups that constitute the state has been a major bone of contention
between them. Specifically the Okuns, Ajayi (1997:28) observed, have always
expressed reservations about their merger with the other ethnic grouips for
several reasons. First of which is their numerical strength as they constitute only
about 14 percent of the total population of the state. Second, the Okuns also
contend that as a cultural and linguistic entity, they have no shared values with
other ethnic groups in the state. Third, the Okuns also emphasize their
ideological difference with the other ethnic groups, whereas, the Ebira and the
Igala always identified with the political parties of the core north, the Okuns
have consistently aligned to parties in the South West. Fourth, is that the Okuns
are predominantly Christians as opposed to the Muslim dominated Ebira and
Igala groups. Fifth, the Okuns belief that they had a far closer historical,
political, traditional, linguistic, and cultural links with other Yorubas from Ekiti
and Kwara States. Arising from these arguments, the Okuns were strongly
opposed to their inclusion in the Kogi State project.
The major ethnic groups cannot be said to be homogenous, as there exist
minority groups within the larger groups that often express reservation about
their status. These minority groups include the Bassa-Komo, Bassa-Nge, Ogori-
Magongo, the Oworo, Nupe, Koto, Kogi and the Fulani among others. These
minority groups often allege that they are being marginalized by the major
groups. Apart from the alleged marginalization of the Ebira and the Okun groups
by the Igala, other minority groups also allege that they are marginalized.
Accrdoing to Mvendiya et al (2001, 114) the Bassa-Komo and the Bassa-Nge
allege being marginalized by the Igala, the Ogori-Magongo by the Ebira, Gana
Gana and Kakanda by the Oworo. The Owe speaking group also alleges
marginalization by both the Kabba and Bunu groups. Even the Igala allege
marginalization by the Federal Government. Although a major outbreak of
violence among the dominant ethnic groups has not occurred, the state has
witnessed heated moments and tension has been raised to palpable levels as a
result o allegation of marginalization. Intra state boundary conflicts are common
in the state. Intra state boundary conflicts that has been violent enough to attract
state and national attention as documented in Mvendiga etal (2001) include, the
Ijemu Ayan Odolu community of Kabba/Bunu Local Government that is
involved in a boundary dispute with Ogidi Ijumu in Ijumu Local Government
(LGA), the Ejigba Community in Yagba West Local Government and Isanlu in
Bassa Local Government Areas. Adavi and Okehi Local Government Areas are
in conflict over a stretch of land between Itakpe and Ememe Bridge. Dekina
Local Government and Ofu LGA are in dispute over Ukawupuda. The Gaude
community in Bassa Local Government accused the Edinocose community in
Kogi Local Government Area of land encroachment thereby resulting in
conflict. There is also a dispute over a farmland and a fish pound between Iziho
community in Lokoja Local Government and Ikumo community of Kogi Local
Government that is yet to be amicably resolved. Abda and Abache districts both
in Ankpa Local Government area are in dispute and Mozun district both of
Bassa Local Government area among others.
The data on Table 1 indicates that despite the plural nature of the state;
inter ethnic conflict is not prevalent although as already indicated mutual district
among the three dominant ethnic groups is pronounced.
METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION
The study was conducted in the 21 local Government areas of Kogi State. The in-dept
interview method was adapted to elicit detailed response from interviews on the Central
theme of study i.e. conflicts in the locations examined, causes of the conflicts and
interventions and responses from Governmental and non-governmental organizations.
As much as people the target population subjected to interview were those identified as
stakeholders in the conflicts and community members of the areas in conflict.
THE STRUCTURAL BASIS OF CONFLICT IN KOGI STATE
Table 1: Conflicts in Kogi State – Parties, Issues, Location and Current status
NAME OF CONFLICT PARTIES TYPES AND ISSUES PLACE STATUS
Ogori Mangongo L.G.
Administrative Conflict
Intra Party conflict
Chairman of the LGA
Matthew Dada Keyi/State
House of Assembly
Majority Leader Albert
Adefina Sodje
Political Control of Ogori
Mangongo LGA, Appointments
Priledges. Control of party
machinery, Age long rivalry
between Ogoris and Magongo
over perceived humiliation of
Magongos by Ogoris
Ogori Mangongo
LGA
Partially transformed with
the return to Office of the
suspended Chairman
Matthew Dada keyi
Ogori/Ekpe – Edo Settlers
in Edo state
Ogori indigenes/Ekpe –
Edo Settlers
Ownership of Land Epe Partially transformed but
potentially volatile
Ajaokuta LGA Conflict I House of Representative
Member Ado Okino/ RT
General Salihu Ibrahim
Who occupies the seat of
chairman of Ajaokuta Local
Government Area
Ajaokuta Partially transformed but
potentially volatile
Ajaokuta LG Conflict II Ebira/Igala Ownership of Ajaokuta and who
occupies the chieftancy stool of
Onu Ajaokuta
Ajaokuta Partially transformed but
potentially volatile
Adavi Conflict I Ajoko and Otumi subclans
of uka clan
Masquarade festivities
chieftancy disputes political
control of ogaminana
Ownership of Zango cattle
market
Ogaminana –
Inorere and
Idanuha wards
Partially transformed but
capable of erupting again
Transformed with the
relocation of the market.
Adavi Conflict II Upopurete and Aniku
subclans of Adavi local
Government
Choice of occupant of clan chief
(Asema) of Upopuvete
Ipaku Transformed
Okene/Adavi Conflict I Okengwe and Adavi Eba Political control Transformed
5
THE STRUCTURAL BASIS OF CONFLICT IN KOGI STATE
Table 1: Conflicts in Kogi State – Parties, Issues, Location and Current status
NAME OF CONFLICT PARTIES TYPES AND ISSUES PLACE STATUS
Okene/Adavi conflict II Adavi Eba and Okengwe
districts
clan Osoma in Adavi Eba Transformed
Okene Conflict I Attah family/Ebira Choice of occupant of
traditional ruler of Ebira land
(Ohinoyi of Ebiraland)
Okene Partially transformed but
capable of erupting again
Okene Conflict II Agada/omoye clans Political control of party
machinery
Okene Transformed but has
potential to re-occur
Okene Conflict III A sect of the muslim
group/Traditionalists
Which religion should be
dominant in Ebiraland
Okene Transformed but re–
occurring
Okene Conflict IV Senator A.T.
Ahmed/Public office
holders
Political control of Ebiraland Okene Re-occurring
Okene Conflict V Senator A.T
Ahmed/Deputy Governor
Philip Salau
Political control of Ebiraland
(power shift/power retain)
Okene
(Ozuwayu/Iruvucheba)
Re-occurring
Okene Conflict VI Omoye/Clans Clan Obehira Transformed but has
potential to re-occur
Okehi Conflict Emani/Ohi-onwa clans Traditional title of Obobanyi
and chairmanship of the Okehi
traditional council
Ihima On-going
Lokoja Conflict I Mayaki/community Imposition of traditional
rulership of Ibwa
Ibwa Dormant but unresolved
Lokoja Conflict II Governor Abubakar
Audu/Community
Imposition of traditional
rulership of Kakanda
Kakanda Re-occurring, unresolved
Ijumu Conflict II Community/normadic
Fulani settlers
Grazing on farmland Otun Transformed as Fulani
migrated to other areas
6
THE STRUCTURAL BASIS OF CONFLICT IN KOGI STATE
Table 1: Conflicts in Kogi State – Parties, Issues, Location and Current status
NAME OF
CONFLICT
PARTIES TYPES AND ISSUES PLACE STATUS
Yagba East LGA
Conflict
Some Chiefs/Community Prosperity of the chiefs in the
face of adversity and poverty
of the community
Ejuku Transformed as chiefs were
forced out of the village
Kogi local Govt.
Conflict 1
Ohimege/Inda family of kontonkarfi
(Inda family is made up of
Asumehi, Aruwa, Ogepa, Okejakpo,
Ibenu and Isanayina ruling families)
Introduction of a new ruling
house
Osuku Transformed as the new
ruling house has been sacked
by the villagers
Kogi local Govt.
Conflict II
Ohimege and two contestants for
the vacant traditional tool of the
ruler of Ahoko/Community
Traditional rulership of
Ahoko
Ahoko Unresolved as the traditional
council nominee cannot visit
thevillage whereas the
community appointed chief is
not on payroll of Govt.
Kabba-Bunnu LGA
conflict
A faction of the PDP /chairman of
Kabba Bunu Dada
Chairmanship of Kabba
Bunu LGA
Kabba Transformed
Ijumu LGA Conflict II Nomadic Fulani/farmers Grazing land Egbeda-Egga Transformed
Bassa LGA Conflict The suspended chairman Mr. Bako
Shigaba who is also the brother to
the slain chairman-Luke Shigaba/
and Hon Isaac Jimba and Barrister
Ibrahim Musa Abdullahi
Political control of Bassa
LGA
Political patronage
Appointments
Political Control of the Bassa
people among the major
ethnic groups in the Area i.e.
Bassa Nge, Bassa Kamo and
Igbirra mozum
Onyedega Unresolved and potentially
volatile
7
THE STRUCTURAL BASIS OF CONFLICT IN KOGI STATE
Table 1: Conflicts in Kogi State – Parties, Issues, Location and Current status
NAME OF CONFLICT PARTIES TYPES AND ISSUES PLACE STATUS
Bassa LGA conflict II Bassa farmers and
fishermen/Fulani cattle
rearers
Grazing land Bassa Nge,
Mozum & Bassa
Komo areas
Re-occurring
Ankpa LGA conflict I Mr. Dan Kadiri
Yunusa/Air Marshal Isaac
Alfa (Rtd)
Political control of Ankpa LGA Ankpa Unresolved, potentially
volatile
Ankpa LGA conflict II Ejeh of Ankpa, Late Col.
Hassan Yakubu/Attah
Igala
Autonomy for the stool of Ejeh
Ankpa traditional council from
the influence of Attah Igala
Ankpa Transformed but capable of
erupting again.
Ankpa LGA III Ankpa area traditional
council and the
communities of Ankpa and
Ojoku
Who occupies the stool of Onu
of Ankpa and Onu of Ojoku
Ankpa and Ojoku Transformed
Ankpa LGA conflict IV Farmers/Fulani herdsmen Grazing land Ogodo, Onupi,
Ogbagbala
Re-occurring
Ankpa LGA conflict V Police/community
members especially
“Okada” riders
Extortion of money by the police Ankpa Re-occurring
Dekina LGA Conflict I Police/civil populace Extortion of money by the
police
Anyigba Re-occurring
Dekina LGA Conflict II PDP leadership in the
state/community members
Imposition of candidates by the
party
Dekina LGA Transformed but has the
potential to re-occur
Dekina LGA III Dekina LGA/Ankpa LGA Ownership of Owojo farmland Owojo Unresolved has the potential
to re-occur
Dekina LGA Conflict IV Dekina LGA/Bassa LGA Ownership of okukuleje
farmland
Okukuleje Unresolved.
8
THE STRUCTURAL BASIS OF CONFLICT IN KOGI STATE
Table 1: Conflicts in Kogi State – Parties, Issues, Location and Current status
NAME OF
CONFLICT
PARTIES TYPES AND ISSUES PLACE STATUS
Igalamela/Odolu
LGA conflict I
Igalamela who are of Igala
extraction and Odolu people
who are of Igbo extraction
Political control Igalamela/Odolu
LGA.
Political appointments
Creation of wards in favour of
Odolu.
Provision of social amenities in
favour of Igalamela
Headship of the Local
Government
Ajaka Dormant but issues
unresolved
Igalamela/Odolu
LGA conflict II
Igalamela Odolu community
/Igbo people of Enugu State
Ownership of Ugwaka-Olla land
in Odolu district
Ohute On-going
Igalamela/Odolu
LGA conflict III
Igalamela Odolu LGA/Ofu local
Government
Ownership of Angba (Oil was
discovered in the area)
Angba Unresolved and potentially
violent
Igalamela/Odolu
LGA conflict IV
Affa in Ibaji LGA/Ugbonoji in
Igalamela/Odolu LGA
Control of forest reserve situated
between the two communities
Ugbonoji Transformed but unresolved
Igalamela/Odolu
LGA conflict V
Farmers/Fulani cattle rearers Destruction of farmlands by
Fulani cattle and pollution of
sources of drinking water.
Ogbogbo
Odolu
Okpakpata
Re-occuring. Has potential
for violence
Ibaji LGA conflict I Mr. Simeon Achba for mer
Deputy Speaker Kogi State
House of Assembly/Chairman
Ibaji LGA Manassah Ebwuaba
Political control of Ibaji LGA
Imposition of chairmanship
candidate by the state Govt
Ibaji, Onyedega Unresolved. Has potential for
violent conflict
Ibaji LGA conflict II Obale people of Ibaji and
Agulere people of Anambra
Ownership of an oil well in Ibaji
land
Ibaji, Anocha Re-occuring
9
THE STRUCTURAL BASIS OF CONFLICT IN KOGI STATE
Table 1: Conflicts in Kogi State – Parties, Issues, Location and Current status
NAME OF CONFLICT PARTIES TYPES AND ISSUES PLACE STATUS
Ibaji LGA conflict III Omabo/Uchuchu
communities in LGA
Control over farmland and
fishponds
Omabo/Uchuchu Re-occurring
Ibaji LGA conflict IV Farmers/Fulani herdsmen Grazing land Ibaji Re-occuring
Ofu LGA conflict I Ofu LGA/Dekina LGA
The Gago of Ajogidibeje
officials of the National
Union of Road Transport
Workers (NURTW) from
Ofu and Dekina LGA
Boundary dispute Ajogidibeji (a
sprawling
settlement located
on the Itobe-
Anyiga)
Dormant has potential for
violent conflict
Idah LGA conflicts I People considered to be
non-indigenes of Idah-
Senator (Dr) Ahmadu Ali,
Chief Paul Achimugu/
Late Stephen Achema and
his supporters an indigene
Political control of Idah LGA Idah Re-occuring
Idah LGA conflict II Idah LGA/Etsako East
LGA
Control over Ake Island Ake Land Transformed
Olamaboro LGA conflict I Chairman of Olamaboro-
Hon David Adegbe
LGA/secretary Hon.
Charles Akowe and Vice
Chairman Olamaboro
LGA. Barr. Isaac Ekpa.
Chieftains of the PDP in
the Area
Political leadership and
administration of the local
Government.
Okpo Re-occuring
10
THE STRUCTURAL BASIS OF CONFLICT IN KOGI STATE
Table 1: Conflicts in Kogi State – Parties, Issues, Location and Current status
NAME OF CONFLICT PARTIES TYPES AND ISSUES PLACE STATUS
Olamaboro LGA conflict
II
The Ohiemi and Idu sub-
ruling houses of Onyuka
ruling clan in Imane
Imposition of chief Odah Ojiji
Imane
Imane Re-occurring since 1995 and
has potential for violent
conflict.
Omala LGA conflict I Omala LGA/Bassa LGA
(Bassa Komo community)
Ownership and control of Iyede
(a mineral rich and tourist
attraction)
Iyede On-going
Omala LGA conflict II Okada operators/the police
in Abjukolo
Extortion by police officers Abejukolo Re-occurring
Omala LGA conflict III Farmers/Fulani Destruction of farmlands
ponds/streams
Opada and Icheke
villages
Re-occuring
11
The major source of conflict as revealed in the table, includes the desire to
exercise political control over the communities, chieftaincy matters, land matters and
conflict between Fulani herds men and farmers over grazing land %.
SOURCE OF CONFLICTS NO. OF
OCCURRENCES
PERCENTAGE
(%)
1. Political control over the communities
2. Chieftancy matters
3. Land matters
4. Conflict between Fulani herdsmen and
farmers over grazing of land
17
15
13
8
32.08
28.30
24.53
15.09
Total 53 100
Jega (2002:36) had argued that the Nigerian state as is the case with all post colonial
state has become crisis ridden as it has largely failed to meet and satisfy the yearnings of
its people. Capitalist rent seeking, patrimonialism and prebedalism have been identified
as the major characteristics of the Post-Colonial Nigerian state, as the state is sometimes
referred to as a “rogue state”. The state controls the economic resources in the society
thus, resulting in the fierce contest for control of the state apparatus. This is evidenced
in cut throat competition by politicians to install their preferred candidates into party
positions, and political offices.
Vaughan (199:311) contends that the effect of the harsh reality of state
formation in post-colonial Africa is that apparatus of governance has begun to crumble
before it has been fully consolidated. The economic crisis now prevalent in Africa states
has further compounded the crisis of political authority. These developments may have
accentuated the reliance of the political elite and local dwellers on traditional
institutions and practices. The apparent limitation of modern state structures to exercise
effective participation and control at the grassroots has inevitably enhanced the status of
paramount chiefs who are still relied upon by the state to ensure mass support and
control at the grassroots. The traditional rulers on their part mobilize primordial
sentiments-specifically ethnicity and even sub ethnic identifies to maintain their grip on
the people at the grassroots. Despite the limited powers of the traditional rulers in the
formal state structure, they have remained important actors in governance at the federal,
12
state and local levels. In an effort to entrench the position of the dominant elite groups
through informal social and political networks, the traditional rulers are being
effectively incorporated into the Nigerian state power structure by successive
governments. Governments have consistently accorded special privilege to traditional
rulers by seeking their advice on important national issues, appointing them as
chancellors of federal universities, encouraging their appointment as chairman of both
foreign and national commercial ventures among other favours (Vaughan: 1991:319).
Given these developments, the position of the paramount ruler in most societies
has become highly contentious among elites because it creates access to state power.
Conflicts arising form the struggle over who occupies the paramount rulership of most
communities have also become conflictural.
Further to that so much value is attached to the traditional institution and it
therefore becomes a major source of conflict where traditional processes are
compromised in the appointment of traditional rulers
Conflict between the Fulani herd men and local farmers is prevalent in the
state, yet the issues are unresolved as grazing land and water spots are central to the
economic survival of both the herd men and the farming communities. As Otite and
Albert (ed) 1993:3 and Osaghea et al, (2001:11) pointed out, the pursuit of access to a
variety of limited resources which include chieftaincy position, power and status,
grasslands, markets, water spots for animals, rival claims to land, government policies,
leadership of political parties etc by individuals differentiated by different categories in
defined socio-physical environments gives rise to conflict. The prevalence of conflicts
arising from the struggle for access to grazing land poses a major challenge to
governance and has became area that requires intervention. The Federal Government
policy on reservation areas designated as grazing lands is yet to be implemented in the
state.
Economically viable lands are also a major source of conflict between
communities in the state and even between some communities in the state and
neighbouring states.
13
Table 2 Key Violent conflicts in Kogi State and Their Triggers
Name of Conflict Trigger
Ogori Magongo LGA conflict Submission of the list of delegates from the LGA to the PDP national Convention. Two different list of
delegates was sent to the PDP National Headquarters 2005
Ogori Vs Ekpe-Edo community of
Edo state
Clashes that was well escalated with the killing of Dr. Onudare from Ogori
Federal Peace reconciliation committees visit.
Tussle over who occupies the
chairmanship position of Ajaokuta
LGA
The result of the election to the Federal Hose of Representatives where Hon. Ado Okino decamped from
ANPP to the PDP and won the election in 2003
Ihima conflict in Okehi LGA At a gathering of the Ihima community, somebody stood up to challenge the introduction of Obobanyi of
Ihima and contended that he should only be referred to as Obobanyi of Emaru
Okene conflicts Most of the conflicts here are triggered off at any social or political gathering where the different factions
of the PDP meet.
Omoye clan in Okene LGA conflict Triggered by the abusive songs from a traditional singer
Kabba-Bunu LGA conflict, April
2004
Annoucement of Dada as chairman of Kabba-Bunu LGA
Egbeda-Egga in Ijumu LGA
conflict
An Egbeda farmer had his two hands chopped off in his farm by a Fulani herdman
Otun in Ijumu LGA conflict A farmer was alledged to have invoked the god of thunder that killed 75 cattle that destroyed his farmland
and the Fulani retaliated by macheting him
Ejuku in Yagba East LGA conflict In 2003, rumours went round that some people that died and were physically buried were discovered to be
working mysteriously in some chiefs farms. The chiefs were alledged to be reaping bumper harvests while
other villages had very poor harvests.
Ahoko village in Kogi LGA
conflict
The tradition of the community was by passed as the deputy to the village head was not appointed to
succeed him as the new village head
Table 2 Key Violent conflicts in Kogi State and Their Triggers
15
Name of Conflict Trigger
Ankpa Local Government conflict In 2003, two trigger-happy policemen shot and killed two people.
Ankpa local Government conflict . 2005 ward and local government convention of the PDP. Thugs of opposing camps engaged one another
in a fight on allegations of attempts to impose ward and local Government officials of the party.
Bassa LG conflict The gruesome murder of the local Government Chairman by unknown persons.
16
Table 3: Selected conflicts by Status and responses of interveners
Name of conflict Status Responses of International
organization and foreign Govts
Responses of FG and State Govt Responses of
NGOs, CBOs,
Religious orgs,
Media etc
Kabba-Bunu LGA
conflict
Dormant transformed Nil. Localized The state Government constituted a
panel of enquiry to investigate the
matter. The white paper on the
report is still been awaited.
The state Government also paid
compensation to the affected
victims
Egbeda-Egga in
Ijumu LGA conflict
Transformed Nil. Localized The Ijumu Local Government set
up a panel of enquiry to investigate
the matter. Those arrested were
released on bail
Omala LGA/Bassa
Komo community
On-going Nil. Localized The state Govt intervened though
the office of the Surveyor General.
The office ceded Iyade to Omala
LGA but this been contested by
Bassa Komo in the High Court of
Kogi State in Koton Karfe.
The Omala community took the
case to court and obtained
judgement upholding their claim to
Iyade
17
Table 3: Selected conflicts by Status and responses of interveners
Name of conflict Status Responses of International
organization and foreign Govts
Responses of FG and State Govt Responses of
NGOs, CBOs,
Religious orgs,
Media etc
Olamaboro LGA
political conflict
Re-occuring presently
the chairman of the
LGA is on suspension
and the vice-chairman
is acting
Nil. Localized The state Govt though the office of
the Deputy Governor intervened
severally. The actors signed MOUs
which they hardly honor
Olamaboro LGA
Chieftaincy
conflicts
Re-occuring The state Govt. set up the AIG
Ahmadu Shauibu committee
recommended the removal of
Gabriel Adaji as Odah Ojiji of
Imani for non-compliance with laid
down selection procedures. Gabriel
Adaji was removed but has not
been replaced.
The present administration set up
the Sheikh Abdulkadir committee
on this and similar cases across the
state. The Govt white paper is still
to be released.
The Imani district
Union submitted a
memo in support
of the re-
installment of
Gabriel Adaji.
The ohiemi
descendant union
submitted a memo
in favour of
another contestant
Mr. Stephen Akor
18
Table 3: Selected conflicts by Status and responses of interveners
Name of conflict Status Responses of International
organization and foreign Govts
Responses of FG and State Govt Responses of
NGOs, CBOs,
Religious orgs,
Media etc
Bassa LGA political
conflict
On-going
Impeachement notice
served the suspended
Chairman
Nil. Localized The House of Assembly committee
is still investigating allegations of
gross abuse of office levied against
the chairman by the Bassa LG
legislative council.
The state chief Judge has
constituted a 7 man impeachement
panel to investigate allegation
levied against the suspended
chairman by the Bassa LG
legislative council
19
Table 3: Selected conflicts by Status and responses of interveners
Name of
conflict
Status Responses of
International
organization and foreign
Govts
Responses of FG and State Govt Responses of
NGOs, CBOs,
Religious orgs,
Media etc
Okehi sub clans
conflicts
Re-occuring.
On-going
- The Federal Government responded to the petition by
the Ohi-awan clan that AIG M.J. Araga of Emani
supplied ammunition to the Emani clan as AIG Araga
was alledged to have been queried.
The state Govt set up a panel of enquiry to
investigate the matter.
The Local Govt sought assistance from the Federal
Emergency Agency for relief materials for the
victims of the conflict.
Ihima welfare
Association, Ihima
Elite forum sued for
peace among
warring factions.
NTA Lokoja has
been documenting
the event as they
unfold.
Ogori-Magongo
political conflict
Transformed as
the suspended
chairman has
been re-installed
- Police was drafted to keep the peace.
The House of Assembly suspended the chairman,
constituted a committee to investigate thematter. The
committee recommended the re-instatement of the
chairman
-
Okene political
conflict
Re-occuring - State Govt response is alledged to be passive as
decisive steps have not been taken to contain
violence
Ebira peoples
congress
Ebira Peace project
Ebira Youth
congress sued for
peace by organizing
conferences and
meeting of
stakeholders
20
The data in table 3 reveals the poor management of conflicts by the state and local
government councils. The immediate response of Government in conflict situations is to
draft armed men to the areas. The field work however revealed that this effort has not
been generally effective as the warring factions often are in possession of far superior
weapons than the police. Government has often intervened by setting up investigative
panels. The date on table 3 however reveals that the reports of the committee are more
often not released and where they are released the government white papers were not
forthcoming.
Previous Research on Conflicts in the North Central zone
1. Jibo Mvendiga (etal) (2001): Ethnic Groups and Conflicts in Nigeria. Volume 4.
The North Central Zone of Nigeria: the Lords creations Ibadan.
2. Mohammed Momoh Otu (1995): Troubles with Ebira land. Boteau Enterprise:
Kaduna Nigeria.
3. Tenuche Marietu: “The political Economy of Intra Ethnic violence in Ebiraland in
Aaron Gana and Sam Egwu (ed) Ethnic and Religious conflicts in Nigeria
(Forthcoming).
4. Ajayi Rotimi (1997): “ The minority Question and the politics of Resource
Allocation in Kogi State, Nigeria”, in African Notes, Journal of the Institute of
African Studies, University of Ibadan Nigeria.
5. Omolori Sanni (1995): “ Rejoinder to the Attah Igala memorandum” to the Head
21
Recommended